We have been working through a series on the book of Revelation. This book of the Bible can be difficult to understand for a variety of reasons, so we are taking it slow and studying it bit by bit together. As we begin our study of Chapter 4, John is invited to enter God’s throne room.
Chapter 4 is focused on John describing what the throne room looks like and it is an amazing sight! While Chapter 5 is still in the throne room, the revelation of Jesus changes from one of beauty and joy to one of warning.
In the throne room are the Father and the Son, who are sovereign and hold all power in their hands. They are surrounded by a multitude of angels, whose voices rise in worship, creating a scene of reverence and awe. As the book of Revelation continues to unfold, the worship in the throne room transitions dramatically to stark scenes of the unleashing of God’s wrath upon the earth. Those who do not believe in Jesus as the Son of God are exposed to the profound depths of God’s judgment. The purpose of this judgment is not merely punitive but serves as a crucial opportunity for those who do not believe to repent, turning their hearts towards the grace and mercy that is extended through faith in Christ. It is a solemn reminder of the duality of God—love and judgment coexist, urging humanity towards Jesus.
As we proceed to study the throne room and the awful wrath on earth, we must remember these are not fairy tales. The throne room exists today, Jesus is seated at the right hand of God the Father – today (Matthew 26:64, Mark 14:62 and Hebrews 12:2). The wrath that is to be poured out on the earth will indeed happen, and it serves as a reminder of God’s justice and the consequences of sin. If you have accepted Jesus as the Son of God, then you will be saved and protected from this impending judgment. However, if you have refused the gift of salvation that Jesus offers, then you will endure the wrath of God; whether at the moment of your death or when Jesus returns and if you are alive on earth during that time. This urgent message carries the importance of the need for each individual to reflect upon their spiritual state. If you are saved, who do you need to tell about Jesus so they can also avoid the wrath of God and experience the hope and joy that comes from eternal life? Who needs your words to open the door for them to also embrace the truth and grace found in accepting Christ as their Savior?
Let’s pray. Father in heaven, thank You for Jesus. Thank you for our churches. Thank You for the wisdom that we have in the Bible. Lord, help us to apply Your Word in our everyday lives. Lord, help us to study Revelation and give us understanding. In Jesus’ precious name we pray, amen.
